Amateur astronomers' party from March 7 in Uttaranchal

Mumbai, Feb 13 (UNI) Delhi-based NGO ''Confederation of Indian Amateur Astronomers (CIAA)'' will organise the ''Milky Way Voyage Star Party'' for country's amateur astronomers and star gazers from March 7-9 at Manora Peak in Uttaranchal.

''We are expecting 300-400 amateur astronomers, mostly students with their telescopes to celebrate the event,'' CIAA secretary Nilesh Vayada, who is in the city to invite students from various schools to participate in the event, said.

''Apart from the registration fee of Rs 500, other expenses will be minimal, with students getting a 50 per cent discount. We are organising the event to create awareness and popularise astronomy,'' Mr Vayada said.

He said the event would have expert advisors for beginners, equipment stalls, demonstrations and array of aperture telescopes for participants to try out.

Mr Vayada told UNI that a 20-inch telescope, built by the CIAA at a cost of Rs 3 lakh and capable of looking at the whole solar system and nearby galaxies, will also be unveiled at the party.

Manora Peak has an observatory, and at a height of 1951 metres, it is ideal for star gazing as the air is free of light pollution and smog, he added.